12 Barbecue Recipes to Get You Grilling Outdoors

When the sun is shining and temperatures are high, there’s little reason to cook indoors, especially if you have access to a barbecue. With the ramadas for shelter here at Aderra, you can even barbecue on a rainy day. The savory smokiness of a barbecued meal is sure to brighten your day either way. Whether you’re looking for a comfort food feast of ribs, lighter fare that’s heavy on the vegetables, or a sweet dessert, there’s a recipe here for you.

The Main Attractions

Burgers are classics for a reason. These ones stay extra juicy thanks to a cheesy filling, sure to please adults and children alike. Get creative with your toppings to make this meal truly unique: caramelized onions, flavored mustards, and fancy pickles all elevate the humble burger. You could even change up the cheese to gouda or blue if you’re feeling adventurous.

If you’ve got the time, homemade ribs make for a leisurely afternoon. These simple ribs get baked low and slow for three hours before a blazing hot finish on the grill. You’ll have enough time for a swim break or a quick game of golf before you even turn on the grill. Use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce, or make your own if you have the time.

Chicken wings are a notorious junk food, but they don’t have to be. By grilling your wings, you can keep the grease to a minimum while maximizing the flavor. Thanks to their dark meat and plentiful skin, these wings still crisp up while remaining tender and moist inside, without much added fat. These are even better with a simple dipping sauce of blue cheese and greek yogurt.

A vegetarian option so good that it will become your first choice, rather than the second rate alternative. If you treat black beans right, season them aggressively and dress them up with avocado and salsa, they transform into a savory, meaty patty that rivals your favorite beef burger.

The fish in a fish taco benefits from a turn on the grill. Here, smoky seasoned halibut or snapper is paired with fresh crunchy cabbage and a bright, citrusy sauce. Feel free to switch up the fish for what you have on hand. With messy foods like tacos, you’ll be glad you chose to eat outside.

It may not seem intuitive to throw your pizza on the barbecue, but it actually mimics a traditional wood oven better than an indoor oven ever could. The dough won’t fall through the grill if you’ve preheated it, and you can use all your regular toppings. The smoke seasons the crust, and you avoid heating up your condo with a 450 degree oven during those warm evenings.

The Sideshows

The perennial barbecue side benefits from a swipe of mayo, a sprinkle of salty cheese, and a touch of lime and cayenne. This street food favorite from Mexico turns simple ingredients into an addictive side.

This twist on oven fries takes sweet potatoes and turns them into smoky blackened wedges. They take 40 minutes, but the payoff is worth it for these vibrant orange spears seasoned with spices and parsley.

The Finales

Juicy pineapple slices mellow out over the coals in this grilled dessert. A spiced rum sauce boosts its natural sweetness, while a scoop of vanilla ice cream cools down each bite. A sweet but surprisingly refreshing option to cap off your meal.

The classic soda shop dessert turns custardy and extra sweet when cooked in its own skin over the grill. Ice cream, chocolate sauce, and a maraschino cherry are the classic toppings, but the chopped nuts elevate this banana split it to the next level.

You can have your cake and grill it too. Sturdy pound cake holds up well on the grill and take on a sugary crust that pairs well with tart berries and ice cream. Try banana bread or zucchini loaf for a riff on this recipe.